BBC3 to debut comedies on iPlayer

The BBC has confirmed plans to premiere all of BBC Three’s scripted comedy shows on its iPlayer service before they are shown on TV.

The channel’s controller Zai Bennett said: “BBC Three audiences are digitally savvy, and view our programmes in a number of different ways online and on the go. Premiering our scripted comedies on BBC iPlayer is an obvious and exciting step forward for BBC Three, and yet another innovative way to give our viewers more choice in the ways they can enjoy our programmes.’

“We want to use BBC iPlayer to maximise audiences’ discovery of BBC programmes and increase the time they spend with the BBC,” added Victoria Jaye, Head of BBC TV Content Online and IPTV. “This presents a fantastic opportunity to use BBC iPlayer as a complementary platform to schedule broadcast programmes in new ways, and innovate with content that showcases fresh UK talent.”

The initiative will kick off with the second series of Bad Education, starring Jack Whitehall, in late-August.